Top 7 New Year's Eve Destinations

New Year's Eve celebrations are joyous occasions celebrated with friends, family, and strangers alike. It's arguably the only holiday celebrated universally, everywhere in the world. Of course, we must also acknowledge that many cultures have their own New Year's celebrations, which take many forms and fall on different dates on their respective calendars. In fact, many celebrate the Chinese and Jewish (Rosh Hashanah) New Year's.

That said, while the celebratory date may be different, people in these countries still celebrate the coming of the new year at some point. People in these countries that follow different calendars often still celebrate the changing of the Gregorian calendar on December 31st in unison with the rest of the world.

It's the only truly cross-cultural, annual celebration, and for good reason. Fireworks light up the night skies, confetti rains from up above like large, multi-colored snowflakes, people gather on the streets to share food, drink, and set aside their differences to enjoy a rare moment of peaceful celebration as the countdown begins until the ball drops at midnight, the whole world over. It's truly a magical moment. So, when planning your next New Year's celebration, perhaps you should check out these cities for a party you won't soon forget:

New York City

Few New Year's Eve celebrations are as well known as the one held in Times Square, New York City. While thousands of people wait in anticipation for the ball to drop, the chilly weather rarely dampens the mood. Celebrations begin in the early evening, with headlining guest performers entertaining the crowds until the final countdown. After bringing in the new year, people stay out celebrating until the wee hours of the morning.

Las Vegas

New Year's in Las Vegas combines the excitement and nightlife of the Las Vegas experience with the celebratory joy of bringing in the New Year. Hotels secure headliners far in advance to provide entertainment throughout the night. With open bars in many clubs, followed by the Bellagio's dancing fountain show, and an amazing firework display over the strip, you're sure to have a memorable New Year's experience. New Year's vacation rentals in Vegas: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/lasvegas

London

Each year, thousands flock to the London Eye to watch the fireworks spectacle. However, London's New Year's celebration doesn't end there. On New Year's Day, the celebrations continue with a 3- hour parade featuring marching bands and thousands of extravagant street show performances. Your London rental: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/london

Disney World, Orlando

If you have young kids, planning for an amazing New Year's can be a challenge. Disney World offers extended hours on December 31st, opening at 7am! The entire day of Orlando is filled with live entertainment, rides, and a magical fireworks show at midnight. Festivities go on until 1 a.m. in the morning throughout the parks, so you're guaranteed to get the most out of your family day and you don't even have to stay at an expensive hotel: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/orlando

Hawaii

If you're looking for a more exotic way to bring in the New Year, Hawaii is the place to be. With a myriad of stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes, the midnight fireworks display becomes the icing on the cake. Many clubs and restaurants have special packages for New Year's, including open bars, dance parties, as well as activities for the whole family. Whether you're looking to get your groove on and dance the night away or get away from it all at a remote location with your loved one, you're sure it find what you want in Hawaii. Shoot, you could even make it a bit more romantic at your own private vacation rental: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/hawaii

Sydney

Sydney is the world's first major city to begin the New Year's Eve celebrations. At 6 p.m., the aerial and water show at Sydney Harbour brings the excitement to a peak. The 8 minute Family Fireworks, designed for kids, are just a precursor to the midnight fireworks. However, the most spectacular part of the celebration is when dozens of vessels switch on their lights and being the “Harbour of Lights Parade." Stay a night or two in Sydney: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/sydney

Madrid

Grab twelve grapes and head to Puerta del Sol if you want to bring in the New Year like a Spaniard. Thousands gather around the clock tower and eat one grape for each time it chimes. After midnight, massive parties explode throughout the normally docile streets. Meanwhile, the clubs keep the party going until well after 8 a.m. the next morning. Be prepared to rock your night like it's 1999 in style: https://www.tripping.com/rentals/madrid

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